"The Early Years of Jesus" by Pastor Sarah Omakwu

 
Title: The Early Years of Jesus
Speaker: Pastor Sarah Omakwu
Scripture: Proverbs 22: 6; Micah 5:2; Matthew 2:6
The Bible in Proverbs 22:6 says: "Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not
depart from it."
This message on The Early Years of Jesus is designed to remind us of how to raise godly seeds in this generation.
The “Early Years” is from His childhood to His Baptism. Luke 2: 21- 56. His birthplace was small; Jesus came from Bethlehem of Judah. Micah 5:2. Though Jesus came from a little town, He was not ordinary. He lived an ordinary life but was extraordinary. His village was one of the least amongst other tribes. John 1:45-47. Where you are right now does not define who you will become. His parents were ordinary people living ordinary lives, until an extraordinary Child (Jesus) came into their lives.
Note that Jesus’ father and mother were actively involved in His upbringing.
Joseph was a humble and obedient man. He obeyed everything God told Him concerning the child. He did everything to make sure the prophecies upon Jesus came to pass. Men ought to sit with their sons to fulfill their purpose. Joseph protected Jesus; taught Him and mentored Him.
Mary was a humble woman; who knew the Torah. Luke 1: 46-56. She must have taught Him to read the Torah; the bible says ‘Train a child in the way he should go’.
Joseph and Mary are examples to modern day parents on training up a child. Jesus’ parents gave Him a strict Jewish upbringing, they circumcised Him at eight days, dedicated Him in the temple, took Him to the yearly feasts in Jerusalem
He must have become Bar mitzvah which is a rite for 13 years old Jewish boys when they come of age. His parents took Him to the synagogue regularly which became a lifestyle for Him
Training: is more than telling, it includes teaching, mentoring and modeling. 
To train up a child IN THE WAY HE SHOULD GO means you should travel down that road yourself. Proverbs 22:6.
Mary and Joseph were serious about their life’s mission of training up Jesus. By the time Jesus was twelve, He could hold a conversation with adults, yet He was not proud. Though Jesus was who He was, He submitted Himself to His parents, because that’s how He was trained.
From age 12-30year, Jesus submitted to Jewish law and grew as a strict Jew, no wonder He was affirmed by the Holy Spirit at baptism. When you are in submission, God will affirm you.
The following are LESSONS from this sermon.
(1) Your background is important, use it as a springboard to your future.
(2) Family is important. Parents should spend time with their children to really know them.
(3) Submit to godly authority in your life; it brings approval and joy. 1Pet 5:6.
Godliness is a great legacy; the most important thing you can give your children is the knowledge of God. Whatever you do, your children are watching. Be careful to do the right thing all the time. Make sure to choose the name of your children wisely because , “whatever Adam called a living creature, that was its name.” Genesis 2:19. Your child will live out whatever you name him.
May God grant you grace for godly parenting. Have a blessed week.